Ann has chosen the theme of storysongs: songs that tell a story or stories that have a song. this is an unplugged Open Mic where performers can celebrate the folk genre in song or music, or in story (told not read).
Refreshments for purchase with proceeds going to Spencer House. Free parking in the back after 6pm or on the side streets.
WTF: What the Folk! is an outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.
Organised by Margo Carruthers and Cindy Campbell-Stone.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

WTF: What The FolkOpen Mic (unplugged)Friday, November 13, 2015Spencer House Community Centre5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS7-9pmCost: Free Will DonationHello gang,

Once, often twice and occasionally three times a year, the calendar presents WTF! with a fabulous opportunity to get freaky. In 2015... there were three such dates; however, we have chosen the one in November to get our freak on. Our next WTF! falls on that darling of superstitious dates... Friday the13th.

*Superstitions and Their Origins or Superstitions in General

What is a superstition in general? The widely accepted definition of superstition is that it is irrational belief and interpretation about the events from the future based on certain conclusions and acts. It is not built on logical causes and relations between actions and events.

Every nation has some sort of superstition in its tradition; some of them are so strong that they even acquire main characteristics of modern pop culture.

Will you be superstitious or not? It depends solely on you, yourself, your belief, level of education and the environment you are living in. Statistics say that only 30% of people are not superstitious - researchers warn that this number does not include those who do not want to admit it.

*Amended from Superstitions of - 2015

Superstition is something that we encounter every day. Helen Creighton says in BLUENOSE MAGIC that "People enjoy having what they call their pet superstitions, odd beliefs which for some unexplainable reason seem to act in their behalf. Indeed, they give a rather pleasurable zest to life. Other people, however, distress themselves by constantly looking for signs and omens and will go to great lengths to forestall any ill-fortune they think may be approaching them. It is a true saying that superstition follows whom superstitions follow."

Many of our Maritime superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation and are part of family inheritance. The largest body of superstitions found in BLUENOSE MAGIC involves "ships and the sea". Not surprising really since the Maritimes are almost completely surrounded by water. Other superstitions touch on "the seasons, holidays, the human body, human behaviour and the behaviour of animals, insects and birds for example." Fascinating stuff!

Perhaps you have a family superstition to share? Maybe you know a song or story with a superstitious element? Or perhaps you're one of those who scoff at the notion of superstitions? Regardless of where you stand on the subject... WTF! invites you to bring something relevant to this theme... like good luck or bad luck or elements involving superstitions pertaining to..." ships and the sea; the seasons, holidays, the human body, human behaviour and the behaviour of animals, insects and birds".

On Friday the 13th... get out of bed on the right leg but do not cut your nails. Head on over to WTF!... making sure to kill the first three snakes you see but do not kill a spider. Should you walk under a ladder, keep your fingers crossed until you see a dog. And remember a barking dog never bites. And neither will we if you choose to bring a song or story on another topic :)

Xo Margo

And for those of you who fear things that might go "bump" in the night (you know who you are)...

Be assured...

horseshoes have been hung over the entrance to Spencer House with the heel part down

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular. (House guitar available for playing)

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts, WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Parking is available on site behind the building after 6:00pm, and on all the neighbouring streets.